The American National Fish and Wildlife Museum, doing business as Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium, also known as Wonders of Wildlife Zooquarium or just Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri, showcases more than 225 species of live animals, fresh and saltwater aquariums, interactive displays and educational programs. The 92,000-square-foot (8,500 m2) facility, designed by Cambridge Seven Associates, opened on November 2, 2001.[1][2] The attraction closed in December 2007, with the announcement of a planned expansion that would have increased the square footage of the facility by 58 percent, at a cost of $25 million. Subsequently, museum representatives have announced a much more ambitious expansion, at a cost of about $80 million. They expected to open the Conservation Education Center by the end of December 2011, with the rest of the museum planned to be open by December 2012.[3]

Inception

Wonders of Wildlife is a result of intensive lobbying campaign and financial support of John Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. He campaigned and lobbied for the ballot initiative that funded the $52,000,000.00 cost of building the museum and the creation of a museum district to oversee the planning, design, and construction of the museum.[5] An agreement with the City of Springfield allows a portion of the city's hotel-motel tax to be used for capital projects.[6] This project also received $1.5 million in federal appropriations.[7]

After receiving public backlash for using public funds on the project, Morris returned the money he received for the project, and used personal funds to finish the project.

Features

Missouri wildlife habitat exhibit

The museum replicates the native Ozark habitat and serves as home to many Missouri wildlife species.

Out to Sea Gallery

"Out to Sea Gallery"

The "Out to Sea" exhibit features a 21-foot (6.4 m) deep, 225,000-US-gallon (850,000 l) aquarium. It houses sharks, rays, and a variety of other tropical fish.[8]